Try Xolo for Houston Restaurant Weeks

👋 Shafaq here! In the past week, I've had about a dozen conversations about Houston Restaurant Weeks — all unprompted by me. So it was about time I used the event as an excuse to try the new bar Xolo.

Dig in: Xolo opened earlier this year near Montrose, drawing inspiration from Mexico City. The bar has creative cocktails, but its also has stand-out food options, something its HRW menu makes easy to explore.

My experience: For $25, I got the server-recommended Tetela and pan de merienda.

• The tetela was made with Conico Azul corn, fava bean, crema, watercress and queso de rancho — a soft, light lunch. The bread was almost like a crème brûlée, airy despite being drenched in condensed milk. (My friend's chilaquiles and flan were also delicious.)
• If you want to venture beyond the HRW prix-fixe menu, try the betabel ($16): sweet beets paired with a light pink mole and fresh salad.

If you go: 223 Westheimer Road.